Tyrese Haliburton has been impressed by the Indiana Pacers‘ group of rookies thus far and even believes one of them has been one of their best players during the preseason.
The Pacers drafted Jarace Walker (eighth), Ben Sheppard (26th), Isaiah Wong (55th) and signed Oscar Tshiebwe to a two-way contract in July. They have each appeared in the Pacers’ two preseason games and have contributed in different ways.
Haliburton likes what he has seen from Sheppard in the early going.
I would say Ben Sheppard and Aaron (Nesmith) have probably been our two best players throughout preseason so far. Ben has been really solid. Something I really like about him: He knows who he is and is true to it. He knows what he is capable of and knows his limitations and excels at the stuff he is good at. I really like to see what he is doing. He asks a lot of questions, too.
Sheppard is averaging 13 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists on 35.3% shooting from 3-point range this preseason. He has flashed his shooting ability and has also stood out on defense with his activity and effort off the bench.
“I just tried to gain the trust of my teammates and coaches throughout those two games,” Sheppard said. “I kind of did a lot of things that other people don’t want to do: Dive on the floor, get into a stance, play your ass off, play hard and bring energy. I just tried to play an overall game.”
Ben Sheppard said no đźš« pic.twitter.com/K8BR41onpK
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 11, 2023
The 6-foot-6 guard left Belmont after four seasons known as a shooter and a great passer who can also defend. It appears as though those are some of his strengths that have stood out to Haliburton and the rest of the team to this point of training camp and preseason.
“Sheppard is a quick study,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said this week. “He learns things quickly. He is doing a good job of defining who he is on this team and he plays to his strengths.”
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